TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

GODSTICKS / EP

Godsticks is a three piece band from South Wales, United Kingdom. They were formed in 2006 with the intent to perform prog covers. Darran Charles (vocals, guitar, piano), Jason Marsh (bass), and Steve Roberts (drums) are the names of these quite talented musicians. They have an additional drummer who played 3 out of 5 songs on this EP, Aaron Evans. The band members' influences vary from Frank Zappa to Alison Krauss, Mike Keneally to Stevie Wonder.

I have to admit the first time I listened to this CD it didn't really make an impression on me and I put it away for a few months. I felt like going back to it to write this review and found their music quite refreshing and original. That first day I must have been in the wrong mood, so I am glad that I gave it another try.

Darran's vocals and the harmonies are quite impressive, a blend of 70's richness with a more contemporary feel. Darran also plays acoustic and electric guitars. Throughout the CD I found his guitar tone a little on the mellow side coming from a jazz-fusion perspective, but that actually did not bother me at all, in fact it was unexpectedly suitable. Jason Marsh.... how can you not notice his funky, jazzy, aggressive bass riffs. They are all over the EP, secretly (or not so secretly at all) dominating the songs being heavy in the mix. Most proggers will surely dig that. Steve Roberts and Aaron Evans are both good drummers and they click with Jason.

The band's sound shows their jazz, fusion and progrock influences very clearly. Especially Mike Keneally. There are five song: "Not The Face" with well played odd time signatures and rich vocal harmonies, "Only When Provoked" with partly rap-rock vocals reminiscent of Incubus and aggressive bass riffs, "Puppy Gardener" with jazzy bass riffs especially heavier in the mix than the rest of the songs (during the second half) and nice tempo changes to keep the listener's interest fresh. Fourth song "Venial" is a nice blend of 70's rock sensibilities and fusion, especially with vocal harmonies. Lastly, "Clinical" has a much more acoustic taste than the rest of the songs with acoustic guitar opening and ending the same way. There is also a short piano only break around 1:30 which made me think it would be great if the band's sound had more piano and keyboards layered in.

Godsticks definitely brought a refreshing approach to the contemporary prog music scene and we are not the only ones thinking this way. It is always good to discover bands like this since they don't come to our attention very often.

Hande BURDG